December 31, 2008

Today I rode in the car a long time, and then we had to hang out with my grandparents. Daisuke went with Rob in Rob's car, because there was no room in my parents' car.

So anyway, when we finally got to the lake house, Rob and Daisuke had set up this random surprise party for New Years (my birthday). Rob took care of the invites. He invited my cousins (the girl ones, near my age) and Kai and Josh and his friends.

Although Daisuke and most of the other guests don't know it, there were some ghosts there too. James and Bradley. They looked worried about something.

I ended up drenching Kai in punch because he said something to my cousin, and we ran out of food…but I'm just stalling now. What reallyhappened was…Daisuke kissed me.

I went out on the terrace after the ball dropped on "Rockin New Years Eve" and was waiting for fireworks. There were none and I was bummed that no one had kissed me.

"It's midnight," Daisuke said, coming up behind Kuri-san. He shut the door. She was leaning against the wooden railing. "Aren't you going to celebrate with your friends?"

"I was waiting…" I began.

"For Dark?" Daisuke asked. "I can go and get him, if that's what you want. It is your birthday."

He was a bit saddened that all she wanted was to see Dark, but he was trying to get used to the idea.

"No. For fireworks," she said, with a double meaning. "But there aren't any. And what do I need Dark for? I told you, he's not the one I like. But it's too late. I made my resolution. I give up on love."

She turned and looked out on the lake. Daisuke stared at her back.

No! I can't let this happen!

Daisuke suddenly turned me back around. "Wait! You can't…do that."

"No one kissed me, so I must be destined to be an old maid," she smiled.

You heard her…kiss her, Daisuke!

Daisuke was an inch taller than her, so he leaned down a little bit, and kissed Kuri-san on the lips. She returned the kiss blindly, but Daisuke felt himself transform, and quickly broke away and jumped off the terrace.

I brought a shaking hand to my mouth. He…had kissed me…but for a moment…something about him had changed…

Then the ghosts showed up.

"We need to talk to you!" James said to me.

"What the heck?!" I replied. "Ever hear of dreams? That's how most normal ghosts communicate."

"Kuri-san," Bradley said. "Daisuke has an enemy he hasn't told you about."

"He also has a secret," James said.

I sat down. "Okay, okay. But how am I supposed to ask him about it without revealing my connection to you guys?"

"Maybe you should both come clean," James replied.

"Good luck, sis!" Bradley said.

"Yeah, see ya," James said.

Bradley faded. James remained.

"Why are you still here?" I asked, miffed.

"I'm sticking around," he replied. "I don't want something bad to happen. Just think of me as your second big brother."

"This wouldn't have anything to do with you trying to get in between me and Daisuke, would it, James?" I asked, a bit amused.

"I told you we could still be together, Krista," he said.

"And Itold you that we're just friends," I said through clenched teeth. "You committed suicide, James. It almost killed me. Feel free to protect me to atone for that, but we are nothing more than friends. And if you try to get between me and Daisuke, we won't even be that."

Soon after that the party ended, and now I'm on my bed, typing this. Daisuke's on the couch in the other room, and James's on the other couch. Of course until I figure out how I'm going to come clean to Daisuke, I'm making James stay invisible, and out of trouble. Sigh. It's going to be a long vacation.